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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: CapnHighlands on Thu, 24 March 2016, 12:39:55

Title: New Pok3r (with GeekKey thick PBT caps) with MX Browns... stiffness?
Post by: CapnHighlands on Thu, 24 March 2016, 12:39:55
Hello all! First, I am brand new to this forum after recommendations from a moderator that I know to join. Glad to be here!

Second, I just got my brand new, shiny Pok3r with MX Browns less than a week ago. However, I've noticed the switches are way, way stiffer than my  KUL-87 with Browns. Why is this? Do Browns need to be broken in? Is it a lemon? Does it need to be lubricated? Any insight is appreciated!
Title: Re: New Pok3r (with GeekKey thick PBT caps) with MX Browns... stiffness?
Post by: ulnevrgtit on Thu, 24 March 2016, 14:46:40
my pok3r is the same...really stiff and scratchy browns...certainly more than on my filco with browns
Title: Re: New Pok3r (with GeekKey thick PBT caps) with MX Browns... stiffness?
Post by: CapnHighlands on Thu, 24 March 2016, 14:50:41
my pok3r is the same...really stiff and scratchy browns...certainly more than on my filco with browns

I've heard this from a few other people, even though the Pok3r is supposed to have exceptional build quality. I'm not really sure I understand why they feel so different.
Title: Re: New Pok3r (with GeekKey thick PBT caps) with MX Browns... stiffness?
Post by: Moistgun on Thu, 24 March 2016, 14:54:00
I have definitely heard that you need to break in newer cherry mx blues, so it could very well be a breaking in issue for your browns.

I have never owned browns of the cherry make so I cannot confirm.

https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/2mft1n/help_is_there_a_breakin_period_for_mx_brown/

Here is a post and discussion on this topic.

Title: Re: New Pok3r (with GeekKey thick PBT caps) with MX Browns... stiffness?
Post by: xtrafrood on Thu, 24 March 2016, 15:00:56
Hello all! First, I am brand new to this forum after recommendations from a moderator that I know to join. Glad to be here!

Second, I just got my brand new, shiny Pok3r with MX Browns less than a week ago. However, I've noticed the switches are way, way stiffer than my  KUL-87 with Browns. Why is this? Do Browns need to be broken in? Is it a lemon? Does it need to be lubricated? Any insight is appreciated!
Switch out the switches with gateron browns! JK. Probably just need to be broken in.

Maybe try some lube.. but that requires desoldering so idk, lube or install new switches if you go that route. PCB mounted switches can be opened without desoldering but, afaik plate mounted switches need to be removed from the keyboard (desoldered) before they are opened.
Title: Re: New Pok3r (with GeekKey thick PBT caps) with MX Browns... stiffness?
Post by: jcoffin1981 on Thu, 24 March 2016, 19:00:43
I don't know if what you are feeling is stiffness  per  se.  I have owned several Poker 3's and one thing I have noticed is that the PBT keycaps are very hard.  At first I did not like it and it felt as if I  was typing on little squares of concrete.  I got one of the later Poker 3's with LED's and ABS keycaps and it very much changed the typing feel; softer.  It is also a very sturdy keyboard and  there will  certainly be no give when you apply pressure to a switch.  This may make the keys feel stiff as well.

I have not noticed that after a period of time the switches have "broken in."  Whether or not this phenomenon happens I don't know,  but  it makes sense.  Plastic wears. 
Title: Re: New Pok3r (with GeekKey thick PBT caps) with MX Browns... stiffness?
Post by: CapnHighlands on Thu, 24 March 2016, 20:05:28
Honestly, it feels so "wrong" from the browns that I'm used to that I'm considering RMAing it.
Title: Re: New Pok3r (with GeekKey thick PBT caps) with MX Browns... stiffness?
Post by: xtrafrood on Fri, 25 March 2016, 01:25:32
Honestly, it feels so "wrong" from the browns that I'm used to that I'm considering RMAing it.
If it is that much of a hassle to type on then differently RMA. Or. Maybe the seller would be willing to swap for a different Cherry MX switch.